I feel like it would push devs to optimize for better performance on low-end hardware and to create graphics settings for that hardware like Cyberpunk 2077 did in patch 1.52.
While a majority of handheld gaming PCs do run Linux and that has led to some devs putting more thought into Linux compatibility I’d be wary of some new device coming into the spotlight and shifting the tide back towards Windows.
The uniformity and lifespan of traditional consoles also leads to some interesting modding communities, a lot of peripherals, and the extended availability of parts for repairs which is also nice to see. The Switch and Vita being examples of this to different degrees.
I know the Steam Deck is still one of the top handheld gaming PCs but I guess what I’d want to see is a lack of competition or revisions for a couple years so that it has a chance to saturate the market.
I feel like marginal improvements like you see in SBC gaming devices (shout out to [email protected]) such as the RG350 to RG351 lead to a lot of buyers remorse and e-waste.
The Deck is by far and away the most popular device in that space, and we’re already seeing developers targeting the Deck’s specs to make games run well on it.
Competition in this regard is great for users, not because it pushes developers to raise their game, but because it’s going to push Valve to raise theirs.
I can’t think of a product that was improved by a lack of competition.
I get what you are saying. It’s mostly to keep developers targeting those specific specs and so people don’t need to upgrade to something new for a while.
It’s kind of like the mentality some people have of not wanting a new version of the Switch because the version that’s available now works well enough for them and they still want to see game releases for it.
Though personally I think seven years might be a bit much and backwards compatibility not really being an issue with PC games (compared to Nintendo games) kind of makes it a bad comparison.
That said I posted it here because it’s an unpopular opinion. I feel like most unpopular opinions aren’t totally logical